“Opportunities don’t happen; you create them.” –Chris Grosser

Here are positive things to say to your children to create opportunities to help them feel confident and loved! As parents, most of us speak to our children, in the ways, our parents talked to us during childhood. Our parents did the best, but we can so even better. Understanding the importance of how we communicate with our children vital.  Expanding the way we communicate with our children demonstrates to our kids that positivity has a higher value that negativity.

This list is an easy way to use encouraging words daily. I suggest you make a copy of the list, hang it on your refrigerator and try to say each on phase at day.

 Positive Things to Say to Your Child

1.  You are helpful.

2.  You were right.

3.  I know you did your best.

4.  I’m grateful for you.

5.  You have great ideas.

6.  I love being your mom.

7.  I believe in you.

8.  You are important.

9.  You make me proud.

10. You are loved.

11. You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.

12. I believe you.

13. You are worth it.

14. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

15. It’s good to be curious.

16. We all make mistakes, it’s OK.

17. I understand you.

18. You can say no.

19. This family would not be the same without you.

20. We can try it your way.

21. I appreciate you.

22. I know you did your best.

23. I forgive you.

24. I am so glad you’re here.

25. That was really brave what you did.

26. I admire you.

27. It’s your decision.

28. If you really believe in something, it’s important.

29. Don’t give up.

30. I could never stop loving you.

31. You can try again tomorrow.

32. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

33. You are enough.

34. It’s OK to be scared.

35. Even if you make a mistake, you can fix it.

36. Being kind does not make you weak.

37. Your ideas are great.

38. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.

39. Anything is possible.

40. You can make a difference.

41. I love how you said that.

42. I’m listening.

43. You did that so well.

44. You make my heart full.

45. Not everyone will like you, and that is okay.

46. You have a choice.

47. That’s a great question.

48. I’m so excited to spend time with you.

49. That was a really good choice.

50. I trust you.

51. I hear you.

52. Your attitude can change any situation.

53. You are a great friend.

54. Never stop trying.

55. I’ll always love you.

Tiana Brown is the Assistant Director of the Norwalk Housing Authority Learning Centers